“Then, the next area is the jellyfish display area. Do your best.”

Saying that, Ryou-san gave Haruka a firm pat on her back.

“I understand.”

Haruka replied.

But her expression was tense or strained.

“So, how are you going to do it?”

“That’s something I’ll think about now.”

To ensure Amiya wouldn’t hear their conversation, Hiiragi and Suzuka were sent ahead while they discussed behind.

“First, I think starting a natural conversation is best. Ask for his opinions or questions about the jellyfish and try to get him to empathize with you.”

“Got it.”

“We should casually maintain distance so Amiya-kun doesn’t notice.”

She began explaining the procedure.

“If possible, call him by name, touch his body, and ideally, start dating him.”

“Your goal is too high! Are you saying I have that kind of courage?”

Haruka protested.

“You two normally touch each other a lot, and you’re always pretty close, so I think you have the highest chance.”
“Really…?”
“If you look at it from the outside, that’s how it seems.”

“Just try your best with that goal. As long as you don’t act overly nervous, you’ll be fine.”
“I understand.”

“Again, I say, first and foremost, starting a natural conversation is important. From there, gradually shorten the distance.”
“Yeah, I’ll make an effort to enjoy the conversation.”

Haruka renews her resolve. Ryo and the others saw this and smiled.

“Be mindful of the distance and try to act naturally.”

“Understood.”

Haruka took a deep breath to calm her nerves and nodded toward Ryou-san.

Then, the jellyfish display area came into view.

Upon arriving at the jellyfish display area, the entire space was enveloped in blue light, spreading an ethereal atmosphere.

While slightly nervous, Haruka was timing when to speak to Amiya.

“They’re swimming gracefully.”

Amiya muttered while looking at the aquarium.

“Yeah, floating up and down. Doesn’t it look kind of cute?”

Haruka thought, “Now is the time,” and agreed with his comment to start a conversation.

While watching that, the other three stood behind them, observing as if in perfect sync.

◆◆◆

We are currently in the area with the jellyfish aquarium… but somehow everyone feels awkward.

I sensed that atmosphere.

But I don’t know why, so I’ll focus on enjoying the view now.

So I turned my gaze back to the aquarium where the jellyfish were.

“They’re swimming gracefully.”

More like floating.

“Yeah, floating up and down. Doesn’t it look kind of cute?”

Haruka approached me and responded to my comment.

“Yeah, I think so. But I wouldn’t want to run into them out in the actual ocean.”

“That’s true. They can sting you.”

“Right, they can. I didn’t expect there to be this many different kinds here, though.”

“There really are, some have completely different shapes, and some are really colorful.”

As I admired them, Haruka continued talking.

“Hey, Amiya-kun, which jellyfish do you like best? I think I like this small blue one.”

Haruka pointed at the aquarium.

Looking in that direction, I noticed the label “Cannonball Jellyfish” written on the explanation board.

“Cannonball Jellyfish. It’s small and cute.”

I also looked at that jellyfish. Indeed, its small round shape had an undeniable cuteness to it.

“Right? Just looking at them is calming somehow.”

Haruka smiled happily. Seeing her like this, I couldn’t help but smile too.

“Yeah, these small jellyfish are really nice too. I like the blue, glowing ones as well.”

“Oh, those are pretty too.”

As our conversation continued, I gradually relaxed. Talking with her like this made me forget how time was passing.

…And yet, there’s some sensation of something touching my hand.

Looking down, it was Haruka’s hand.

She was trying to hold my hand, but because of our height difference, she couldn’t quite reach it.

“I’m sorry, I wanted to hold your hand but…”

Haruka blushed and looked shy. I also smiled slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed.

“It’s okay, don’t worry about it. Let’s try again.”

Saying that, I bent my elbow slightly and firmly grasped her hand. This time, we successfully held hands.

Her hand was a bit cold, and the tension she felt was palpable.

“Thank you.”

Shyly, Haruka wouldn’t look me in the eye.

“Hey, Amiya-kun,”

Haruka spoke to me with a slightly downcast expression.

“What?”

I was also nervous, my voice trembling slightly.

“C-can I call you by your first name?”

Indeed, only I called her by her name while she used my surname or “you.”

“Yeah, of course it’s fine.”

“Yay…! Kai, Kai!”

Haruka showed a full smile. Then, happily calling my name repeatedly.

Then, suddenly, she hugged me tightly.

“Waah, what are you doing?”

“I just got happy and couldn’t help it…”

I was slightly surprised by her sudden move, but returned the hug.

It felt like I was being enveloped.

Her smiling face made me lose myself for a moment. Her happiness reached my heart, warming it up.

“Kai?”

Suddenly, she whispered near my ear.

…! That’s… making me feel all tingly. It felt like some strange door was about to open. Close call.

“W-what is it?”

I was shaken by the sudden whisper and bit my lip.

“I just wanted to call you.”

Haruka blushed shyly.

Ah, she’s so cute. She must be really happy.

“S-so…”

Trying to hide my embarrassment, I tried to act as naturally as possible. But her voice and smile made my heart race.

“Sorry. Did I do something weird?”

Haruka asked with a slightly anxious expression.

I gently held her hand and smiled to reassure her.

“Not at all. It’s great that you’re happy, Haruka. I’m also happy.”

Her face turned slightly red, and she showed a happy expression.

“Thank you, Kai. Being with you is really fun.”

Saying that, Haruka remained quiet for a while.

After ending the hug, we stood by the aquarium still holding hands.

Then, the atmosphere suggested it was time to move on to another area.

“Come on, it’s not just me. Let’s meet up and go see the next one!”

“E, what do you mean…”

Being pulled away from the aquarium by Haruka’s hand.

Also, she muttered something that caught my attention: “It’s not just me.”

Maybe…

A certain thought came to mind.

But I decided to put it aside for now since we had joined up with everyone else.

◆◆◆

Hiiragi and Suzuka, who were watching from behind, smiled genuinely at the scene.

“It seems like it went well.”

Suzuka said in a whisper, and Hiiragi nodded.

“Yeah, just seeing it makes me happy too.”

Hiiragi said while looking toward Haruka and Amiya.

“By the way, aren’t you forgetting that there are people around?”

“We completely forgot about it.”

“Although everyone is reading the atmosphere and keeping their distance… they’re still the center of attention.”

“That’s right. They’ve gotten so absorbed in their own world that they haven’t noticed.”

“Well, regardless, I think we can call this a success. So, who will go next?”

Ryou asked.

“Hmm…”

While thinking about it, they started heading toward where the others were to join them.